THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has welcomed the Mormugao Port Authority’s (MPA) decision to withdraw its Expression of Interest (EOI) for leasing approximately one kilometre of Baina beach for water sports, calling it a victory for Goa’s people and traditional fishing communities.
Addressing a news conference, NFF General Secretary Olencio Simoes said the withdrawal demonstrated the importance of public opposition but warned that the larger issue of MPA’s control over beaches, rivers and coastal waters needed urgent attention.
Simoes said the port authority must not function like a “State within a State”, taking decisions affecting traditional livelihoods and public spaces without adequate accountability and consultation.
NFF has demanded that the Goa government initiate the legal and administrative process to review and rationalise MPA’s jurisdiction over rivers and coastal waters, transferring appropriate management responsibilities to the Captain of Ports wherever legally permissible.
